Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of mastersons bar its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has a fantastic read created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.